Take Action: Make sure you and your family are ready, and plan to contact one another before severe weather arrives. Have an emergency kit handy, and store away all papers and valuables in a secure spot.

An ideal kit contains food, water, batteries, flashlights and medications. FEMA also recommends including a first aid kit, a manual can opener, a cellphone with chargers and a whistle to signal for help.

You'll also want to have a weather radio handy.

Be an Example: Share your action plan with friends, colleagues and other families, including weather preparedness tools from social media.

WCPO Meteorologist Sarah Walters says it's smart for families to think about how you will communicate in different situations, such as where to meet if you get separated. It's also a good idea to choose a friend of a relative who lives out of state for everyone to notify they are safe.

Once you have an emergency plan in place, Walters says it should include a safe place to go during a storm:

During a Tornado Warning, the best place is underground in a basement or cellar.

If you don't have a basement, a small room or closet in the middle of the house on the bottom floor is best.

If you're in a mobile home, leave immediately and find a sturdy shelter.

Never try to outrun a tornado while in a vehicle … seek shelter or lie down in a low area and cover your head.

If you're at work or school, be aware of emergency shelter plans.

Go to a designated shelter or move to the center of the lowest level of a building if you are in a store or shopping mall.

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